Weather claims Chatsworth horse trials

The weather in Britain has dealt eventing another blow with the cancellation of this weekend’s Chatsworth International Horse Trials.

Only days ago organisers had added an extra day of World Cup dressage to the programme to cater for Olympic hopefuls after Badminton was also cancelled.

Organisers say the grounds at Chatsworth are waterlogged following heavy rainfall.

“One thing no-one can control is the weather but we are exploring all avenues to see what can be done to provide additional competition opportunities for our members and this includes rescheduling the Grassroots Championships,” said British Eventing Chief Executive Mike Etherington-Smith.

“Several organisers have offered to put on extra days which is much appreciated and we are looking at what else can be done but we have to be realistic given the prevailing conditions.

“Losing major competitions certainly provides challenges for everyone but we should spare a thought for all the organisers who have worked so hard to organise their events only to have the weather tear apart all their efforts.”

Talking about what this means for the British team preparations, Performance Director Will Connell said: “The combination of the cancellation of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and Chatsworth International Horse Trials is a disappointment and not what we would have wanted. However, we will now sit down with the selectors, riders and coaches and make a plan – we will not rush in to announcing this plan as we must also take a view on what the weather has in store and what options we have.

“In 2001 Foot & Mouth played havoc with the spring programme but we still prepared for and delivered at the European Championships. It is not the time to panic or predict doom and gloom.”